Background
- Indonesia is home to 130 active volcanoes, being part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a tectonically active zone.
- Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano, located in East Nusa Tenggara province, has been active, with previous eruptions in November 2023 killing at least nine people and forcing evacuations.
Relevance : GS 1(Geography ),GS 3(Disaster Management)
-Photo : Reuters
Current Developments
- The volcano erupted again on March 21, 2024, spewing ash over 8 km high.
- Authorities raised the alert status to the highest level due to the increasing volcanic activity since March 13.
- The geological agency has warned of potential lava floods and noted smaller eruptions on Friday morning.
Implications
- Humanitarian Concerns: Authorities may need to expand evacuation zones and provide emergency relief to displaced residents.
- Air Travel Disruptions: Further flight cancellations possible if volcanic ash clouds persist, affecting tourism-dependent businesses in Bali.
- Environmental Impact: Ash fallout may affect agriculture, water sources, and air quality in nearby regions.
- Long-term Relocation Plans: Indonesian authorities may accelerate permanent relocation for high-risk populations, following their earlier proposal in November.
- Seismic Risks: The eruption highlights the constant threat of earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia due to its location on the Ring of Fire.
